NEWARK, NJ — The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors today approved work on new bus shelters to enhance bus service along the busy Bloomfield Avenue corridor in the Township of Bloomfield and the City of Newark.

The Board authorized a $1.3 million contract with Metroclean Express of Long Island City, New York, for the construction of new bus shelters, signs, lighting and site improvements at locations in Bloomfield and Newark.

The project is the first step in a major enhancement plan slated for the corridor that will be funded through federal dollars secured by U.S. Senator Robert Menendez.

"This is the type of project that advances the Liberty Corridor economic development plan and helps put people to work during this economic crisis—it’s one small component that helps add up to an economic recovery," said Menendez, who has shepherded the Liberty Corridor plan through Congress. "This project to improve bus service is one component of a larger program to speed the movement of goods and people throughout the region, create jobs, spur development and ensure that New Jersey remains a hub of commerce on the East Coast."

"Improving transportation for the people of Essex County has been a priority of mine since I arrived in Washington," said Rep. Bill Pascrell. "This project will improve the commuting experience for thousands of bus customers along a busy corridor."

"Today’s Board action builds on our ongoing initiative to enhance bus service throughout the state," said Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman Stephen Dilts. "The new bus shelters are part of a plan to offer improved amenities and greater convenience to customers along the heavily-traveled Bloomfield Avenue corridor."

"This project moves forward our goal to modernize the local bus service we operate along Bloomfield Avenue," said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles. "Improving local bus stops will aesthetically help make public transportation an even more attractive option for residents."

Construction is expected to begin this spring, with completion anticipated by the end of the year.

About NJ TRANSIT

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 895,000 weekday trips on 240 bus routes, three light rail lines and 11 commuter rail lines. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 164 rail stations, 60 light rail stations and more than 18,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.